Commonly known as blind, bats are found almost everywhere in the world. The only place where there are no bats is in the Antarctic, Arctic, and some isolated Oceanic islands.
Bats and rats- don’t they sound the same? Well, some will stay they look the same too! Some people even call the bats flying rats! But is a bat a rodent that can fly or is it all myth? Flatly no, a bat isn’t a rodent!
There are tons of differences between bats and any rodent. Today, we will sum it up to show you why they do not fall in the category of rats.
Is a Bat a Rodent?
The very first thing is- bats are not rodents. No matter what they say and how close the bats look to the rodents, keep in mind, they are not rodents. But yes, they are mammals.
This can shock a lot of you people but bats are mammals and they are the only flying mammals. However, the confusion regarding bats and rodents came in because they look the same from distance.
Their name has this almost similar pronunciation. Besides, in some locality, bats were called flying rats. However, now you know that it isn’t the truth!
Difference between Bats and Rats
Rodents and bats are two different types- no matter how similar they sound or look. Here, we will talk about some basic differences to clear the concept of bats vs. rats. Check it out!
- The Order and Family
You already know that they are different- they are not remotely connected. Now, we will discuss the scientific details here. The order of Bats is Chiropetra and is it only designed for bats.
The 1200 different types of bats fall under this category. While bats fall under Chiroptera, rats or any other rodents are in the order of Rodentia.
If these both species were in one order, they would make up half of all the mammal species. You understand the mess, right?
- Ability to Fly
There are myths about flying mice but in reality, no rodents can fly! They are not capable of flying where bats are! Bat’s wings are adapted forms of hands. While rodents cannot fly, bats can- in short, bats are not rodents!
- Nests
Rodents can nest on the surface and underground. However, bats stay inside caves mostly. They prefer to stay in the old buildings and trees too.
- Canine Teeth
While no rodents have canine teeth, bats have them. If you look carefully, dogs and bats are from the same super order. Regardless of the diet of different bat subspecies, all of them have canine teeth.
Are Bats Related to Raccoons and Rodents?
Contrary to the raccoons and rodents myth, bats are not related to either of these animals. While they are all mammals, bats belong to the order Chiroptera, while raccoons are in the Procyonidae family and rodents are part of the Rodentia order. These are distinct and separate groups of animals.
Are Bats Mammals?
As we said earlier, bats are mammals- after all; they have the 4-chambered heart like any other mammals! Besides, they have a backbone along with complex brain functions.
Just like any other mammals, they give birth to live young and nurse them. They are more than 25% of all mammals and are the largest family after the rodent family.
Are Bats Birds?
As bats can fly, they are often confused with bats- but, NO, they are not birds. Birds are not mammals and bats are the only mammals that can fly. Unlike birds, bats have wings that look like hands with fingers spread apart.
Wrap Up
Now you know that bats are not rodents, right? But till now, you probably are still thinking that bats can’t see!
But well, the interesting fact is, bats can see. It’s just that they don’t use their sight to get around. And instead, depend on echoes- isn’t that interesting?
